This week we celebrated Tu B'Av, which in our time has taken on the character of weddings and the strengthening of the bond between a man and his wife. These are certainly important things, but Tu B'Av has another great and important aspect - this day marks the transition point from summer to winter.
At this time of year, the days begin to shorten and the nights to lengthen.
During the long days, people are more active outside, in their work and occupations. At night, they return to their homes. As the night becomes longer, a person has more time that is appropriate to devote to Torah study.
Therefore, Tu B'Av carries with it a message of addition to Torah lessons.
Taste the apple
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of interest in Judaism. There is talk of the 'Jewish bookcase.' The general public feels uneasy about their lack of familiarity with Jewish heritage, and flocks to all sorts of platforms where Judaism is discussed.
But there comes a point where you have to move from talking 'about' Judaism to diving into its waters. You can hear many lectures about the wonderful taste of an apple, its mineral composition, and its important contribution to man. At a certain point, the listeners will say: "Well, let us bite into an apple and taste it.".
Anyone who has a genuine desire to connect with Jewish heritage should simply open a book and start learning.
You can start with the five books of the Torah, the book of Halacha, the Mishnah and the Talmud, and the teachings of Hasidism. There are now wonderful reference books that allow even beginners to study Torah. Of course, the best thing is to join a regular Torah class, which has a double advantage: learning from a teacher and a fixed framework that encourages the person to persevere.
Strengthening Torah study is equally necessary for those with a Torah background. Unfortunately, there are even yeshiva graduates who, when they enter the never-ending cycle of work, chores, and family, actually disconnect from Torah study.
Obviously, they love it very much and want to study Torah, but 'it doesn't work out.' And they also add a sincere sigh.
Tu B'Av is a wake-up call for each and every one of us – we must study Torah and increase our Torah lessons. With all due respect to our many pursuits, they cannot come at the expense of a constant and continuous connection with the Torah. Our sages likened this connection to the need of a fish in water; thus, "the Torah is our life.".
It is impossible to disconnect from the source of life, even if we have good excuses.
The house is going up a level.
The commitment that every Jew feels to studying Torah is a fundamental component of our Jewish identity. The people of Israel were called the "people of the book" because in every community and committee, in every generation, the natural sight was to see in the evening in the Beit Midrash the craftsmen, merchants, and dignitaries of the city, sitting and studying. One in front of a Gemara, another holding a Mishnah, a third a Pentateuch, a fourth a Shulchan Aruch, and those who do not know how to study – reading Tehillim.
This connection to the Torah will enrich us, infuse us with spiritual oxygen, and give our thirsty soul the pure water it longs for. The life of the entire household will rise to a higher level.
When parents study Torah, children absorb the love for Torah and its values. Now is the time!
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